On University Day, Optimism For Carol Folt

CHAPEL HILL – A new era officially dawned at UNC on a drizzly afternoon Saturday, as Carol Folt took the oath of office as Carolina’s eleventh chancellor.

“It is a precious gift to be here,” she said, “and I am deeply honored to be Carolina’s 11th chancellor, home of the nation’s first public university, with its legacy of excellence and public service.”

Chancellor Folt’s official installation was the highlight of University Day, marking the 220th anniversary of the laying of UNC’s first cornerstone on October 12, 1793. About 2500 people, most from the UNC community, were on hand to welcome her to office.

“Like all of you, I am deeply inspired by Carolina’s history and its higher purpose,” Folt said. “I have confidence in our people, and I believe in the capacity of the great public university to help build a just, safe, more prosperous, and sustainable world.”

Folt takes the oath of office.

UNC System President Tom Ross presided at the ceremony and State Supreme Court Chief Justice Sarah Parker administered the oath of office. Also present were North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory, who spoke of the challenges facing the new chancellor—”UNC is great,” he said, “but because of increased competition throughout the world, UNC must become even greater”—and Board of Governors chair Peter Hans, who issued a call for unity.

“(Folt) will have our support,” said Hans. “She will need that from all of us, because this is a demanding role, and North Carolinians are counting on her.”

And while there are many challenges facing UNC today—ranging from a persistent budget crisis to an ongoing transformation of the nature of higher education—Saturday’s mood was optimistic, as speakers from across the Carolina community voiced their confidence in UNC-Chapel Hill’s first female chancellor.

The future holds great challenges, but under Chancellor Folt’s leadership, Carolina will meet those challenges,” said Board of Trustees chair Lowry Caudill. “We will continue our historical mission and expand our reach and our impact throughout North Carolina and the world.”

UNC-Chapel Hill faculty chair Jan Boxill agreed. “Judging from your first 100 days, I am confident that we chose the right chief executive,” she said, addressing Folt. “Your energy and commitment to learn about NC…not only brings fresh eyes and creative ideas to old problems, but serves to restore our faith in the Carolina Way and our commitment to holding ourselves to the high standards we are proud of.”

System president Ross concurred, noting that he decided on Folt as his choice for chancellor early in the search process–and his confidence hasn’t wavered. “She has demonstrated sound judgment, savvy, intellect, energy, wisdom, and empathy, along with a commitment to excellence in all we do,” he said.

Tom Ross speaks at University Day.

General Alumni Association Board of Directors chair Robyn Hadley echoed the general sentiment, with a nod to Folt’s status as UNC-Chapel Hill’s first female head. “It is a great honor to bring well-wishes to our eleventh chancellor, as she–yes, she–sets sail on this journey to take our nation’s first public university to greater heights in its 220th year,” Hadley said.

And Folt herself expressed that same optimism in her own address, which tied UNC’s future to its long and storied history.

“I believe that Carolina can indeed be the leader in shaping the path for the great public university in America,” she concluded. “We can show how you do it–to be the one that preserves excellence in innovation, access and affordability, a deep commitment to the state, and gather strength to innovate and meet new challenges.

“It is the privilege of my life to be here. Together, we can make history.”

Formerly interim president of Dartmouth College, Carol Folt took office as UNC chancellor on July 1.

President Ross places the Chancellor’s Medallion around Carol Folt’s neck.

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